Motorcycle specifications Victory (USA)1700 CROSS COUNTRY 2014 Leaving with another American

for some years now, a number of manufacturers have been trying to oust Harley-Davidson in the custom and tourer segment. Timidly in France, with machines like the Kawasaki VN 1700 Classic, Tourer or Voyager, the Suzuki C 1800 R Intruder or the Yamaha 1900 Midnight Star. The Japanese are having a tough time of it, but are putting far more effort into the States, with an extraordinarily richer offering. And yet, nothing seems to worry HD... except this small manufacturer who arrived here a while ago, with a cruiser that has nothing in common with the usual competition. Victory and its Cross Country represent a real challenger to Milwaukee.

japanese customs are good, but their heart is Japanese. And for a custom-enthusiast with a peg, you'll need to have American blood in the pistons and in the chassis. Listen to a biker talk, it's edifying. And Victory is becoming very threatening: with the power of the Polaris group to which it belongs + a very complete range + an address made in the USA, the manufacturer can be proud to go round and round on the Electra range with these Vision and Cross Series. In fact, the Country Series competes head-on with the Street Glide model. A copy? No, it's the same concept, but with a modern twist.

when you see this Cross Country, you're astonished by its futuristic design mixed with a more-than-classic silhouette. A kind of neo-post-futuro-classic. It's imposing, elegant, clean and intriguing. The lines are sometimes fluid and curved, then sharpened, but always respectful of the custom's profile. The fork head, which provides typical protection, is inevitably compared to the Electra's "pig nose" - except that here it manages to impose its own identity. On the Country, it's available with 3 bubble sizes.
We're all familiar with big cylinder guards on a custom bike. The Country is no exception to the rule, and since 2013 has been fitted with copious metal tubes to protect its finery. In terms of design and originality, we miss the stylized arches of previous vintages. When it comes to leg protection, don't get your hopes up... or look no further than the Vision Tour and its imposing fairing. The stylish suitcases each hold 40 liters of luggage. And an optional trunk worthy of a Star Trek.
On board, you'll be greeted by a superb, comprehensive instrument panel, a long, low, wide seat and a multitude of thumb controls to bring the host of on-board functions to life.

taking on Harley on its own turf is not just a question of style, but above all of engine. Victory has what it takes: a paunchy V-twin (how could it be otherwise...), huge, clean-cut and well-bred. The striking 106 logo between the cylinders indicates its displacement in cubic inches, or 1731 cm3 for us Europeans. It's even bigger and fatter than the 103 installed in Milwaukee's Touring range in 2011. On Uncle Sam's side, we can count on 97 horsepower - our standards desolder about 8% of this power, but there's still a hefty 15 mkg to move this 350 kg beast. Since Victory was founded in 1998, engine manufacturers have had time to work and refine this big twin. Available and efficient, the engine is efficient and available, but lacks relief. Compared to the Twin Cam, it will have the advantage of superior strength; in terms of character, the Davidson will provide more thrills.

one area where the Cross outperforms the Harley Touring is in handling. The chassis, with its molded aluminum frame and inverted fork, offers a more rigorous ride than you might expect from a motorcycle weighing over 400 kg with a rider. Braking is via 3 x 300 mm discs, gripped by 4-piston calipers at the front and 2 at the rear. The 22-liter fuel tank means you can ride with peace of mind, set a good pace and cruise for a long time.

for bikers, this Cross Country won't have an easy time of it, as it lacks the magic crest and HD character to conquer the market. More objectively, however, the tourer's roadholding and mechanical qualities are enough to seriously upset the Harley Street Glide. Especially as its price is 4,000 euros lower.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos